A mother's obsessive love for her children becomes a dangerous, isolating force in a town steeped in bizarre rituals and dark humor. Clementine, driven by the trauma of childbirth, constructs an invisible barrier around her family, shielding them from a world that includes the unsettling practice of auctioning the elderly and a priest besieged by demands for rain. Her husband, the unwitting cause of her suffering, finds himself at the mercy of her increasingly extreme protectiveness, while the town's scapegoat fishes for refuse with his teeth, embodying the community's collective shame.

The novel is recognized for its unique blend of playful absurdity and profound seriousness, characteristic of Boris Vian's distinctive style. Critics often highlight its surrealist elements and dark humor, which serve to underscore deeper societal critiques. The narrative's exploration of maternal obsession and community rituals creates a disquieting yet compelling reading experience. It is considered one of Vian's most significant and characteristic works, offering a potent commentary on human nature and societal eccentricities.